Time for another FAQ thread, this time for suspension upgrades. Post everything you know or every wondered in this thread and I'll consolidate it. I'll start the list with some ideas, post your suggestions.

Official 318ti Suspension FAQ Thread.

This thread will be dedicated to frequently asked questions related to 318ti suspension components. Please post your questions here, and I'll combine all the questions and answers and keep them at the top of the thread.

What about ball joints? The OEM ball joints are soft and don't last long on lowered cars. The Meyle solid metal ball joints are much better. They can be purchased seperately or pre-pressed into the control arms. The pre-pressed solution is an easier install.

What about control arms? - See above for the Meyle control arm/ball joint combo. - e30 m3 aluminum control arms work too, but recommended replacement is every 2 years or X track days.

Who makes rear subframe bushings? - Powerflex - Ireland Engineering: either in race or street versions, call IE to order the race version. There is a difference between the Z3/Ti rear subframe bushings and E30 rear subframe bushings.

Who makes differential bushings? - Powerflex, street or race versions

What is the x-brace? Where do I get it? The "x-brace" is a cross reinforment brace that helps to connect the front crossmember to the front subframe rails. It is stock on all E36 convertibles (including Z3's) and the '95 M3 LTW. Although it was not stock on the E36 coupe, sedans and compacts it does improve chassis rigidity and handling if added... -courtesy of understeer.com

What kind of suspension should I go with if I just want a smooth ride? - If you are on a budget, go with the HR sport springs or the BavAuto Sport springs. You'll need to run a shorter strut/shock too. I recommend the Bilstein sports. - Bilsteins or Konis with the factory Mtech sport springs is another good combination, although not as much drop as the above listed combination.

The German Eibach website lists the swaybar kit as no longer available. For posterity, the part number is E2044-320. Ground Control makes a front camber plate. Powerflex makes centered and offset front control arm bushings. They are very easy to install.

It should be said that the `96-`99 M3 LCAB's are specifically for those year control arms while the E30 M3/`95 M3 LCAB's work in the normal 3-series/M3 control arms. Some people will buy the E30 M3 control arms since they are aluminum but they are double the cost and supposedly need to be replaced sooner.

Maybe I missed it, but was there any info on E36/M3 suspension parts compatability? Rear has to be from MZ3, but what about front suspension? I have an entire front suspension, brakes, etc from a E36 M3 sedan.

Thanks for the response. A bit late on mine As you know, I'm slowly working on my swap. - S52 and 5 speed swap from a M3 sedan is in progress. M44 is removed, engine area is clean, and most parts needed from J!m's manual have been ordered. - As I mentioned earlier, I have the entire front end to the same sedan. - If I swap the stock M3 springs, struts, front brakes, and stab bar, do I need to add H&R springs/Billy's in order to have a safe, good performing suspension? Reason I'm asking...I read earlier that if I swap the M3 front suspension into the M44 powered compact, then the front might sit too high. But I do not know what to expect if I swap the same supension, but with a S52/tranny now in place of the M44/stock tranny.

Maybe I'm just nukin my dilema, but it just seems like its going to be easier to swap out the suspension now that there is no engine in the way, then after I'm done with the engine swap.

Thanks for the response. A bit late on mine As you know, I'm slowly working on my swap. - S52 and 5 speed swap from a M3 sedan is in progress. M44 is removed, engine area is clean, and most parts needed from J!m's manual have been ordered. - As I mentioned earlier, I have the entire front end to the same sedan. - If I swap the stock M3 springs, struts, front brakes, and stab bar, do I need to add H&R springs/Billy's in order to have a safe, good performing suspension? Reason I'm asking...I read earlier that if I swap the M3 front suspension into the M44 powered compact, then the front might sit too high. But I do not know what to expect if I swap the same supension, but with a S52/tranny now in place of the M44/stock tranny.

Maybe I'm just nukin my dilema, but it just seems like its going to be easier to swap out the suspension now that there is no engine in the way, then after I'm done with the engine swap.

Thanks again. -SB

As per Jim's manual, he recommends an M3 front suspensions set up, including the springs up front to carry the extra weight of the S52. That is exactly what I am doing on my swap. Rear? I am not sure what would be compatible with M3 front springs. Eibach? H&Rs? Stock sport springs? I don't even know if I can use E30 spring. I have a set of ST sport springs for an E30. Will they work?

What about ball joints? The OEM ball joints are soft and don't last long on lowered cars. The Meyle solid metal ball joints are much better. They can be purchased seperately or pre-pressed into the control arms. The pre-pressed solution is an easier install.

What about control arms? - See above for the Meyle control arm/ball joint combo. - e30 m3 aluminum control arms work too, but recommended replacement is every 2 years or X track days.

I know Dusten is no longer with us but I'm sure you other guys can clue me in...

I have a set of 1999 M3 control arms. The outer ball joint threads (the one that goes to the king pin) are fubar'd. I don't think they can be saved plus I'd like to upgrade to solid (I guess meyle unless there is better).

My question is can the ball joint be replaced as I'm not sure if the 1996+ CA allows this or is it the before 1996 CA's?

If I can't replace them, then I'll get new CA's. Anyone have a link to a good buy on CA's with solid ball joints already pressed in? I'm only finding sets that are $200+ each.....

Taken from a PelicanParts tech article;

"Because the inner ball joint is integrated into the control arm, you must purchase a new control arm if you wish to replace the ball joint. On non-M3 E36 cars, the outer ball joint is replaceable."